subject: National legal issues of gambling online [print this page] National legal issues of gambling online National legal issues of gambling online
Antigua and Barbuda
A complaint to the World Trade Organization by the government of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, which licenses Internet gambling entities, made about the U.S. government's actions to impede online gaming. WTO's appeals body somewhat narrowed that favorable ruling in April 2005 although the Caribbean country won the preliminary ruling. Various state laws argued by Antigua and Barbuda hold the appeals decision that were not sufficiently discussed during the course of the proceedings to be contrary to WTO agreements to be properly assessed by the panel.
The WTO confirmed on March 30, 2007 the U.S. "had done nothing to abide by an earlier verdict that labeled some U.S. Internet gambling restrictions as illegal."
Out of Antigua, many of the companies operating are publicly traded on various stock exchanges, specifically the London Stock Exchange. The British regulatory standards and has been met by Antigua and has been added to the UK's "white list", which allows licensed Antiguan companies to advertise in the UK.
Australia
On 28 June 2001 the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) has been passed by the Australian Government. The IGA was said by the government to be important to protect Australians from the harmful effects of gambling.
The providers of interactive gambling services are being targeted by the IGA, not their potential or actual customers. To provide an interactive gambling service to a customer physically present in Australia is considered an offence by the IGA, but for Australian residents, it is not an offence to play poker or casino games online. Sports betting online is also completely legal in Australia, with many state government licensed sportsbooks in operation, such as Centrebet, Sportingbet & Betfair, in stark contrast to the USA,
The offence applies to all interactive gambling service providers, whether based in Australia or offshore, whether Australian or foreign owned.
France
To regulate and tax internet gambling, France proposed new laws on March 5, 2009. It was stated by Budget minister Eric Woerth that the French gambling market would expand to adapt to "Internet reality." He further stated "Rather than banning 25,000 websites, we'd rather give licenses to those who will respect public and social order." The new regulations are expected to take effect January 1, 2010. Betting exchanges, however, will remain illegal under the new plans.
India
Under "Bombay Wager Act" online gambling is a banned offence. With respect to online gambling/online gaming, other acts/legislations are silent in India.
Israel
Online gambling is not being referred to specifically by the Israel gambling law (Israeli Penal Law: land based gambling and playing games of chances is prohibited except in the cases of the Israel Lottery and the Israeli Commission for Sports Gambling). Online backgammon website Play65 had been excluded of the ruling by the Attorney General, due to "the unique circumstances of the site activity.
Russia
In December 2006, Russian legislation, was enacted to prohibit online gambling altogether (as well as any gambling relying on telecommunications technology).
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